Returning to Academy Award winning Best Picture Rebecca (1940) about ten years after I first watched it and immediately after reading the novel by Daphne Du Maurier.
The Story of Temple Drake (1933) – Paramount Adapts Faulkner’s Sanctuary
A review plus background information about Paramount pre-Code The Story of Temple Drake (1933), adapted from Sanctuary by William Faulkner. Book and adaptation are compared and contrasted. Casting and path to screen are covered, including George Raft’s refusal to appear in the film. Biographical information about stars Miriam Hopkins and Jack La Rue. Lengthy article, over 5,500 words, first appeared in Classic Movie Monthly #5.
Red-Headed Woman (1932) Reveals New Jean Harlow
Jean Harlow lobbies for Red-Headed Woman and emerges as one of MGM’s top stars. Background notes on the film accompany a look at this pre-Code classic adapted from a Katharine Brush novel. The movie also stars Chester Morris, Una Merkel, and Leila Hyams. Directed by Jack Conway.
Behind the Green Lights (1935), Cops Vs. Mouthpiece in Mascot Indie
Based on a book by Captain Cornelius Willemse, the NYPD’s original “gang buster,” Behind the Green Lights pits the police vs. a crooked mouthpiece and features a romance between cop and lawyer. Easily found independent release is fast-paced and entertaining.
The Man Who Played God (1932) Starring Mr. George Arliss
George Arliss is a concert pianist who loses his hearing in an explosion. After learning to read lips he overcomes depression and despair by using his new talent to eavesdrop and help strangers overcome their own misfortune. With Bette Davis in an early supporting role.
Arsène Lupin (1932) Starring John and Lionel Barrymore
John Barrymore and Lionel Barrymore share the screen together for the first time in MGM’s Arsène Lupin (1932). Excellent mystery also includes strong work from Karen Morley.
Dark Hazard (1934) Starring Edward G. Robinson and Genevieve Tobin
Edward G. Robinson stars as a flawed yet likeable gambler who takes a shine to a champion greyhound in Dark Hazard, a 1934 pre-Code release from First National.
H.M. Pulham, Esq. (1941) – King Vidor Brings John P. Marquand Bestseller to Life
Comparing King Vidor’s adaptation of H.M. Pulham, Esq. (1941) to the novel by John P. Marquand, and why both tellings are wonderful. Excellent performances from Robert Young and Hedy Lamarr trickle down throughout the entire cast, most of who are perfect representations of the characters Marquand created on the page. It’s a quiet story that tells a lot in the end.
Lust for Life (1956) – Van Gogh from Irving Stone to Kirk Douglas
Irving Stone’s novel Lust for Life from rejections through 1934 publication and compared to Kirk Douglas’ eventual portrayal of Vincent Van Gogh in the 1956 film directed by Vincente Minnelli.
Classic Movie History Project: 1931 – Stars Emerge
As part of the Classic Film History Project Blogathon a look at the brand new stars and popular film cycles that dominated Hollywood in 1931. Gangsters and newspapermen, horrors and fallen women abound. With list of major studio releases for 1931.
